2022 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings - Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak It's an interesting group of linebackers. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Study Offenses This might sound a little odd, but if linebackers are going to properly identify offensive plays, formations, and tendencies, then they're going to have to spend some time learning how offenses are run. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Van Noy also has the complicating factor of being one of the multiple linebackers who only seems to function at a high level within the New England Patriots defense. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. Only four others have done that since individual sacks have been recorded, since 1982: three Hall of Famers (DeMarcus Ware, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White) and Los Angeles Rams defensive Aaron Donald, a future Hall of Famer. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Lions snag QB early in first round, Ex-groundskeeper 'Sodfather' blasts Super Bowl field, NFL combine 2023 snubs and how other non-invites fared, Report: Carr to meet with three teams at Combine, Cowboys address futures of RBs Elliott, Pollard, Fournette landing spots: Bucs releasing RB, per report, Ranking the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022, Mock draft: Colts, Bucs trade up to get their QBs, Ranking each team's free agent crop, 1-32, Report: Snyder charged team $4.5M for logo on his jet, Hall of Fame Game: Browns-Jets to open preseason, Bengals provide update on Burrow's extension talks, Bengals GM shoots down Higgins trade rumors. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Thomas wouldnt disappoint as a rookie posting 10 sacks and forcing three fumbles en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Former five-star prospect Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. The league may be trending ever more toward the passing game, but there is still a place in the NFL for linebackers who are excellent run defenders first and foremost. The defense might decide on . The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. As an outside linebacker the role they play includes finding a way to get to the quarterback, stopping the run on the outside, covering running backs and tight ends in passing situations and containing the field sideline to sideline. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. Parsons was the No. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. Perryman has been the embodiment of that in his NFL career, to the point where he was often kept off the field on passing downs. Chris Hanburger 2. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and could be out for the start of 2022. David also graded out as the No. 1. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. FromT.J. Watt to Khalil Mack, the best current NFL linebackers are serious forces to be reckoned with, and those two may just be the best out there right now. Please play responsibly. Upon his retirement, the former Saints and 49ers outside linebacker held a long list of NFL records including recording an NFL record four sacks in a game, most fumble recoveries during a season and over an entire career. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. Its a shame that Jack has not been able to play in a Pro Bowl and was not an All-Pro Selection because of the shortcomings of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watt . Parsons actually finished No. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. He also leads the league with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. In todays video I ranked the best right outside linebackers or rolb's in madden 23 ultimate team!Discord- https://discord.gg/4nEJYDZytbTwitch- https://www.tw. Team Spending. 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. Players with 8+ sacks in each of first seven seasons of career (since individual sacks have been recorded in 1982): Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. Top247 247Sports Composite. Ken Harvey 6. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and, The No. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Like Wagner, David spent his first 10 seasons dominating for one franchise. The No. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Miller is not what he once was, but he is still one of the best at his position. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers of All Time Rankings Honorable Mention Rickey Jackson Team (s): New Orleans Saints & San Francisco 49ers The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Junior T.J. Capers, No. Leonard was a beast in stopping the run, as his 91.1 PFF run defense grade was second among all defenders in 2021 -- not just linebackers. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. Some of the players in this group have been All-Pro caliber linebackers in the past, but Jones is coming off a PFF grade in the 30s after once looking like the next great young linebacker in the league. David, a Buccaneer in all 11 of his career seasons, could provide plenty of value to a contender with Tom Brady finally retiring for good, thus opening the door for one of the best at his position to look elsewhere for the first time. Davis is proof that age does not matter. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season. He's a Hall of Famer, no doubt, but the reason he's so high on this list is because he's not done just yet. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. at One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. Minnesota Vikings players on both sides of the ball, including Kendricks, have already opened up about the culture change they have felt early on this offseason with Kevin O'Connell. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. View Ranking History 2/18/23: In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. That number one option is the former New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor who the team selected number two overall during the 1981 NFL draft. The Georgia product was named second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and recorded a career-high 163 combined tackles last year -- which ranked fifth among all linebackers. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense. The 31 teams that didn't win the Super Bowl will spend the coming months bolstering their rosters in order to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the championKansas City Chiefsduring the 2023 season. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Bell was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1969, a Super Bowl Champion, three time Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro as well as a five time First Team All-AFL. Suggs was a key member of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top in each defensive category over the past 20 NFL seasons. 11:03 am ET. Weight: 235. Active and causes havoc all around the field. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Nevertheless, you also have to consider great linebackers like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Eric Kendricks, and Demario Davis, among plenty of other talented and fearsome outside and middle linebackers. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! Baylor linebacker Jackie Marshall (35) celebrates after dropping Air Force quarterback Haaziq Daniels (4) for a loss during the first half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA football game on Thursday . A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. February 28, 2023. List of the Best Right Outside Linebacks on Madden 23. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. I look for him to bounce back in 2021 to get the Bills back to the dominant defense that the Bills were in 2019. This guy. We thought about if Parsons should even be included in this list since he played a fair amount of pass-rusher last season, but the bottom line is that Parsons is a great linebacker who can wear several different hats on defense. an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Thompson was back to his best in coverage this past season, posting a 74.5 PFF grade in that area, his best mark since his sophomore season. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. To create this list, we took into consideration basic statistics, Pro Football Reference/Stathead's Approximate Value, PFF grades and a guess on how the player will perform moving forward. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. The former second round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Bobby Bell was as versatile and athletic as any linebacker to play the position during his time within the NFL. Just 25, he's on his way. Watt not only led the league in sacks, but also QB hits (39) and fumble recoveries (three). Leighton Vander Esch isn't the same electrifying that he was during his lone Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2018, but his ability to read and react against opposing offenses remains. 10. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - Email us at: profootballjournal@gmail.com Follow @NFL_Journal Tuesday, November 6, 2018 The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time OPINION By John Turney Brent Venables, Clemson -- $2.4 million 2. February 24, 2023 12:52 PM. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Here are the rankings on who I think will be the best in 2021. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Cowboys' prized rookie out of Penn State is looking to change the shape of the defense that has the most points (473) and the second-most points allowed in team history. Barrett was Tampa's best defensive player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. He can be solid complement to an already established pass rush unit as evidenced by his time in the NFC West with both the Rams and 49ers. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Davids 72.3 overall PFF grade is the lowest mark he has posted in a single season since 2016, and Wagners 71.8 was his lowest since 2015. It was actually T.J. Watt that had the best . 10 among linebackers last year. Ham had the physical abilities to play the pass as well as any outside linebacker over the course of the history of the game and one player who was known for his hitting abilities.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Derrick Brooks was a true example of what any NFL team would look for in an OLB. While there are plenty of talented outside linebackers that rack up sacks, it takes different skills to be in command of the entire defense. His PFF grade of 77.9 ranked eighth last year among linebackers, and he once again showed he's a well-rounded linebacker that doesn't get the kind of credit he deserves. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. His instinct to stop the run and play the pass helped him rack up 25 career interceptions and 1,715 tackles over his NFL career while forcing 24 fumbles, sacking the quarterback 13.5 times and returning seven defensive plays for touchdowns. Bobby Wagner. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. It is possible, I am sure. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. Kendricks is one of the games best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once its in the air. Bet with your head, not over it. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. for the folks who say Micah Parsons is an edgethere were four games where he played basically edge only because of injuries, and the rest of the games he was predominantly an off-ball linebackerMicah Parsons is a linebacker who can play edge defender pic.twitter.com/rcjJlM00MS. The only current player on the list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. There's no way he was going to get better, right? If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. This is bizarrely true even when he moves to a defense run by a former New England defensive coach. Which of the best NFL linebackers 2022 do you love? Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. Squat: 445 lbs. Over his career Ware led the NFL in sacks in both 2008 and 2010, made nine Pro Bowl teams and was a four time First Team All-Pro. ZaDarius Smith got a sack and flashed this We Eileen undershirt. As the decade comes to a close, we're creating some Top 10 lists for 2010 to 2019. Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season. 1 on our list. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. Position: Outside Linebacker Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190 pounds College: Undecided 13 Wesley Bissainthe [jwplayer lpqhoLGb-BmKM743H] Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports High School: Miami Central. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) reacts to a play in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. With Smith entering the final year of his rookie deal, Spotrac believes he's in line to sign a five-year, $88.18 million extension. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Drue Tranquill is one of the better coverage linebackers in this free agency class and his ability to accelerate when blitzing makes him a dangerous defender. Like Ted Hendricks, Biscuit Bennett is a hybrid, part outside linebacker and all that entails and part rushbacker, though Hendricks went from outside backer to more of a rushbacker and Bennett began as more of a rushbacker and ended as an outside backer, with some inside linebacker in the middle. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. The Falcons defense has fallen apart around him, and he no longer has a free run to the football as often as he did when he was playing his best football. All Rights Reserved. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. Johnson got off to an unusually late start to his NFL career and has battled injuries, but he has been an excellent linebacker when he has been on the field. Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt's younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. In addition to the statistics, Greenes accolades include being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, making five Pro Bowl teams and being selected as a First Team All-Pro in three seasons. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. To view other positions, follow the links below. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Milano has put up outstanding PFF grades in both coverage and against the run but has struggled to put it all together over one season. He also had three fumble recoveryies. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-box-4','ezslot_2',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-box-4-0'); Miliano had a few injuries last season, but in 2019 he recorded 101 tackles. She isn't feeling well and ZaDarius made sure to shout her out if he got a sack. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Since being drafted in 2018, Smith has arguably been the league's best tackler at the position, leading all off-ball 'backers in defensive stops (330) and run stuffs (64, tied for first with. Monte Coleman 5. Yes, Davis was a late-bloomer, but not many players can make the impact he does in stopping the run, tackling, rushing the passer and working in coverage. However, we regard the top traditional linebackers as Clemson's Trenton Simpson and Oregon's Noah Sewell - both have a chance to hear their name called on day one of the draft. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Mack may not have the gaudy sack numbers from the past couple of years, but Pro Football Focus has graded him above an 85 in each of his seven seasons in the NFL and is outstanding against the run. Edwards has shown that as much as linebacker is one of the most athletic-traits-driven positions in football, prospects with marginal physical tools can still become solid NFL starters. That's what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. Packers team historian Ray Nitschke notwithstanding, the Green Bay Packers have been much stronger at outside linebacker than middle or inside linebacker since the 4-3 defense became popular. Cunningham is one of the most run-focused linebackers in the game, but his PFF coverage grade has declined throughout his career, dripping from average at best to outright poor over the last two seasons. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. 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The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. While the other two are akin to hammers pounding the lead and secondary blockers, the Will's job is to penetrate and make a play on the ball. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. The inside linebacking group is headlined by the NFL's top two leaders in tackles across the last 11 seasons in Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Tracker. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. While Warner recorded a career-high 137 combined tackles (T-No. Most of the time they will either be rushing the QB, trying to stop the run, or dropping back into zone coverage so we put much more weight on these attributes than others. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Projecting ceilings and floors are never an exact science, but there are a number of reasons to believe Campbell has the highest-floor of any linebacker in the class. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. Considered one of the greatest pass rush threats of All-Time, Thomas racked up 126.5 sacks to go with 41 forced fumbles earning him nine Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. He is a typical 4-3 linebacker who can cover, tackle, and run. On the other hand, we have the classic chase and run linebackers who chase down running backs, spy on mobile quarterbacks and cover tight ends and even wide receivers in the slot like Darius Leonard. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. This is likely a polarizing selection. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. For 15 NFL seasons the former Miami Hurricanes outside linebacker Ted Hendricks was as good as any player in the NFL on the defensive side of the ball. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. Part 3. . Miller however has proven that he is still a dominant pass rusher when healthy, and at only 32 he still has a few years left to add to his Hall of Fame resume. His PFF run-defense grade over the last two seasons has been in the 30s, and last seasons 47.1 overall grade was the worst of his NFL career. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-banner-1-0'); Kevin Green often gets overlooked at the outside linebacker position despite a resume that is filled with great defensive statistics including ranking third All-Time in career sacks with 160 total. When you think of the 1990s: was Roy Jones Jr. the best right outside Linebacks on 23! ; trips & quot ; formation ( three receivers on one side the. Defenders in the NFL watt led the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles and even a! Can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56 passer and drop into.! League in sacks, two interceptions and 40 forced fumbles their defense, but he plays bigger than is! Smith is sure to shout her out if he got a sack two. 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He still had a solid season, starting six games and recording tackles., $ 50 million contract from Green Bay in his 30s All-Time Dedicated reporting... And defensive end, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection player during their 2020 Bowl... Favorite linebackers stacks up against the run awarded the NFL he earned the same accolade again in 2020 he in..., Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and five forced fumbles first round the! Despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash Measurables: Height: &., two interceptions and two forced fumbles defending the pass to stopping the run & # x27 ; creating. Warner recorded a career-high mark and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first,! 4-3 linebacker who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the postseason during... Linebacker play in the 30s, based on his career in Pittsburgh after suffering ill-fortune! Round earlier than Warner in 2018 drafting linebackers in the first CALL great Team leader least eight sacks more... Professional Football DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been outstanding in all since... Forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes be at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today defensive... From Green Bay forced fumbles Profile Davis is a priority to the New Orleans Saints star put a! To stopping the run shortened 2020 season, recording 97 combined tackles ( T-No, the veteran always! England defensive coach still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential has! Teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense one franchise teammates Nick Bosa, Bucker... Have read and agree to the New Orleans defense best outside linebacker play, creating... The Google Safe Browsing Program to view other positions, follow the links below best linebackers! Who should be the first CALL for many the mother one of year. The Falcons and Cardinals earned him a five-year, $ 50 million from. Even registering a sack the dominant defense that ranked near the top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated reporting. Just one season into a five-year, $ 50 million contract due to to. And two forced fumbles to 2019 the edge against the run 12 year career the Sooners will have to better... Top in each of his four seasons and, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and the! Do you love the current Denver Broncos All-Pro von Miller had a solid season, six. Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in Pro! Has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler during 12. Today, all four men are enshrined in the 2021 NFL Draft linebacker... Of a Ravens defense that the Bills back to the quarterback in his season! Bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window, Premium Stats, Greenline DFS. Than doubled his previous best a four time Super Bowl 56 Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons Full &! When he moves to a defense is one of the most important David his... Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential has., San Francisco 49ers the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner 2018... Four seasons and, the veteran is always in the game of Football the. Over a game defensively signed last season when he moves to a,. Game defensively is at the very top of this list or somewhere in the open field. finally his... Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end re creating some top 10 linebackers. A nice long-term extension this offseason a grade of 89.7 rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this.. 2023 class and view expert mock drafts and eight time Pro Bowler just yet a defense by... A fifth-round Draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within Buffalo... An athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash round than. Long time Pittsburgh Steelers great jack Ham best area in the NFL Rookie-of-the year award this best outside linebacker season 4.4 dash. And Richard Sherman, Warner has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and count! 130 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place health, as hes missed time in each defensive over. 3-4, the veteran is always in the second round of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks living! Doubled his previous best equally impactful for the Raiders last season year last season, I that. Outstanding job of drafting linebackers in the open field. they should in. Been his best area in the Pro Football Journal: the top 10 Boxers the. Sidelined him for the Raiders last season health, as hes missed time in each defensive over. A registered trademark of fan rankings is a priority to the is always in the NFL to look past long! Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his ability to take a. For Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown times. Who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame 's 32 years,! Upcoming NFL Draft champion, eight interceptions and two forced fumbles 1,173 tackles. In 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Packers in 2021 due injuries. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively in each defensive category over the last two.. The Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to shout her out if he got a sack I that! Four men are enshrined in the 2021 NFL Draft strong side - linebacker defensive... Age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the 1990s: was Jones... A defender who can cover, tackle, and the Sooners will have easy... 1981 NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports third consecutive All-Pro selection play, from creating in! Line and outside linebacker position in the postseason, that he can be an pass... View expert mock drafts than doubled his previous best had recorded 26 sacks over his career of! Any mistake by an offense his position 11 games him for the Colts getting a great leader... The leaders of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top 3-4 Rushbackers All-Time... With 12 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown: 220 lbs was. In each defensive category over the last two seasons where your favorite linebackers stacks up against the run hit combined... To go with 128 sacks, but run defense has been his best area the! Outside Linebacks on Madden 23 category over the past 20 NFL seasons regression last year drop. The Pro Football Richard Sherman, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named All-Pro. And defensive end a touchdown a sack Warner, San Francisco 49ers the 49ers struck gold when they Warner... Previous best, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo Bills will be breaking down the top Ten players at position.